Honouring the Courage and Contribution of Women in the NSRI this Women’s Month

August marks Women’s Month in South Africa, a time to honour the women whose courage helped reshape our nation and to recognise the continued contribution of women across all sectors of society.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) proudly joins this national tribute by recognising the extraordinary women who serve within our organisation. From volunteer crew to survival swimming instructors, from support staff to coxswains, these women play a vital role in building safer communities along our coastlines and in inland waters.

“We pay tribute to extraordinary South African women, especially those who have chosen to serve their communities as NSRI volunteers,” says NSRI CEO Mike Vonk. “They give their time freely, often in the most demanding environments, responding with courage and skill, day and night.”

"Currently, 28% of the NSRI volunteers are women, a figure that reflects South Africa’s leadership in promoting gender inclusion within the maritime rescue sector. Compared to similar organisations internationally, this level of female participation is significant and positions the NSRI as a leader in efforts to increase and support women in operational rescue roles,” said Vonk. “These women hold vital roles in the organisation as Station Commanders, Coxswains, Crew, Rescue Swimmers, Shore Controllers, Survival Swimming Instructors, and Water Safety Educators."

Women’s Month commemorates the historic march of more than 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956, protesting against the apartheid government’s extension of pass laws to women. It is a reminder of the strength and determination that drives social change, and those same values are alive and visible in every woman who volunteers with the NSRI.

“At the NSRI, we recognise that diversity strengthens all of our operational teams, from rescue crews to our survival swimming and water safety teams. NSRI women are indeed leaders and role models in society, and contribute to making us stronger and more impactful,” says NSRI Operations Director Brett Ayres.

Our Women in Sea Rescue series tells the story of six women who volunteer for the NSRI, including shore controller Ilhaam Adams, Class 1 Coxswain and Deputy Station Commander Carmen Long, Coxswain Cherelle Leong, Station Commander Nicky Whitehead, Coxswain Kelly Fourie, and Coxswain and previous Station Commander Sara Jane Smith. You can watch the series on YouTube below:

We encourage women from all backgrounds to volunteer and find their place in the NSRI. Whether on rescue craft, in swimming pools, in classrooms, or behind the scenes, their impact is significant.

This Women’s Month, we celebrate them.